
Turn it to the left when you want to give your legs a break. Turn the knob to the right to add resistance and intensity (you’ll have to pedal harder to push through the weight). Resistance: All home exercise bikes come with a padded, adjustable seat, adjustable handlebars and a resistance knob, usually between your legs, that lets you turn the resistance of your pedals up or down. Simply slide into the pedal compartments and you can either tighten a strap, or lock your feet into a “cage” to secure your feet. The options on our list work with a regular pair of sneakers (or socks if you prefer going shoe-less at home). However, that requires either renting or buying a pair of shoes specifically for your bike. Pedals: Most spin studio bikes use SPD clips, which let you “clip in” your spin shoes or biking cleats to the foot pedal. These days, the best exercise bikes all have grippy, non-slip pads at the bottom, to ensure that your bike stays put on the floor. You used to have to lay a mat down under your exercise bike as well, to make sure it didn’t slip or move while you were riding. A belt-driven system is also a lot quieter and makes for a smoother, more consistent ride. Belt: While old indoor exercise bikes used to come with a chain-wheel design (to mimic an outdoor bike), the best spin bikes these days all use a belt-driven design, which is less likely to fray or snap. So don’t be shy in seeking out features that will motivate you to spend more time on your bike.Chain vs. These nice-to-haves may not be necessary, but they can make a workout more fun. “Displays that feature your speed (RPM) and power output (wattage) are always helpful for gauging your workout,” says Rochester. Many indoor bikes come with high-tech features like speakers, fans, and pivoting monitors. And make sure the seat and handlebars are adjustable so you can customize your fit. Look for cushioned seats, padded handlebars, and wide pedals. But if you prefer a guided workout, pay attention to this feature.Ĭycling workouts can get long, so you want a bike that keeps you feeling supported and comfortable. If you prefer a choose-your-own-adventure workout where you’re in control of your settings, these modes may not matter much to you. Like treadmills, ellipticals, and other fitness machines, indoor bikes can boast a range of workout modes.
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High-tech bikes let you navigate resistance levels at the touch of the button, but most options will require you to turn a manual tension knob and feel out the resistance level as you ride. “The goal of an indoor cycling bike is to challenge yourself physically while getting a neuromuscular and cardiovascular workout,” she added. “Resistance helps you get a high-intensity workout and stimulates riding up and down hills,” says Tammeca Rochester, owner and founder of Harlem Cycle in New York City. To keep your cycling workouts dynamic and challenging, you need to be able to adjust the resistance of your bike. Verywell / Catherine Song What to Look for in an Indoor Cycling Bike Resistance But if you're wanting a break from the metric-tracking capabilities of the bike, you can watch streaming services like Netflix, check your email, or access the internet during your workout instead. Additionally, Stryde ensures its bike has a 350-pound weight capacity-adding to its overall stability.įor those wanting in-depth instruction, the bike can connect to the Stryde app, which houses cycling classes taught by a variety of trainers from across the country. The dual-sided pedals have SPD clips for those with cycling shoes, but they also include toe cages for anyone wishing to ride with their go-to athletic shoes. The Stryde bike, equipped with a 22-inch tablet, offers users the ability to access over 500 classes via the Stryde app or opt out of the membership for a budget-friendly workout.Ĭrafted with powder-coated steel, the bike features a durable frame with a five-year warranty. While the initial purchase of a bike may cost less than a year of spin classes, many exercise bike companies require an app-based subscription to get started.
